Which statement about prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells is correct?

Which statement about prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells is correct?

• A. Both have linear DNA and membrane-bound organelles.
• B. Prokaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA; eukaryotes have circular DNA.
• C. Prokaryotes have no nucleus and circular DNA; eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and membrane-bound organelles.
• D. Eukaryotes lack organelles.

Answer: (D)

The big idea here is how the basic cell organization differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus; their genetic material is typically a single circular chromosome located in the cytoplasm, not enclosed by a membrane. They also lack membrane-bound organelles, so processes occur in a more diffuse cellular space. Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, have a defined nucleus that houses linear DNA within a nuclear envelope, and they contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus that compartmentalize cellular functions. So the best description is that prokaryotes have no nucleus and circular DNA, while eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and membrane-bound organelles. The other statements conflict with these fundamental differences: prokaryotes do not have a nucleus and typically lack membrane-bound organelles, and eukaryotes do possess organelles.

The big idea here is how the basic cell organization differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus; their genetic material is typically a single circular chromosome located in the cytoplasm, not enclosed by a membrane. They also lack membrane-bound organelles, so processes occur in a more diffuse cellular space.

Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, have a defined nucleus that houses linear DNA within a nuclear envelope, and they contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus that compartmentalize cellular functions.

So the best description is that prokaryotes have no nucleus and circular DNA, while eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and membrane-bound organelles. The other statements conflict with these fundamental differences: prokaryotes do not have a nucleus and typically lack membrane-bound organelles, and eukaryotes do possess organelles.